Method for treatment of constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract

Methods for treating constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome comprise administering to a patient in need thereof a polymeric proanthocyanidin composition from a Croton species or Calophyllum species in an amount sufficient to treat constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (c-IBS). Treatment of c-IBS includes the treatment of the constipation component of c-IBS as well as the pain and abdominal discomfort associated with c-IBS. In one embodiment, the polymeric proanthocyanidin compound is crofelemer. In addition, methods for treating alternating constipation-predominant/diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome are an alternative embodiment of the invention.

1. A method of treating constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (c-IBS) comprising administering to a patient in need of such treatment an effective amount of isolated crofelemer or a composition comprising isolated crofelemer as a c-IBS-treating active agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition orally administered in a dose of about 250 mg per day to about 4000 mg per day. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the treatment comprises reducing one or more symptoms of c-IBS. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3 , wherein the treatment comprises reducing pain or abdominal discomfort. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 4 , wherein pain or discomfort is reduced by at least 10%. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 3 , wherein the treatment comprises reducing constipation or less than normal stool frequency. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 6 , wherein stool frequency is increased by at least one additional bowel movement per week.